Heel-attaching machine



June 20, 1939. J. wqpRATT ET AL "2,1 28

- HEEL-ATTACHING- MACHINE I Filed April 16, 1937 2 Sheets-Shet 1 Patented June 20, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Leicester,

Machinery Corporation, poration of New Jersey England, assignors to United Shoe Paterson, N. 1., a cor- Application April 16, 1937, Serial No. 137,294 In Great Britain May 20, 1936 17 Claims.

This invention is concerned with improvements in machines for attaching heels to shoes, it having to do particularly with mechanism for clamping or positioning said shoes in the machine.

In Letters Patent of the United States No. 2,085,852, Gouldbourn, July 6, 1937, there is disclosed novel means for so positioning a shoe and heel in the machine that, when they are brought together for the attachment of the heel, they will be in the correct relation. One of the objects of the present invention is to so improve the shoepositioning means disclosed in the aforesaid patent as to enable it to locate with greater accuracy the heel-end portion of the shoe with respect to the heel.

The shoe-positioning means disclosed in the above-identified patent comprises a clamp having a flexible band for embracing the heel-end of at its rear portion on a vertical stud, with the forward ends of its opposite sides arranged to be swung inwardly toward the shoe by movement of a pair of arms to which the end of the band are connected. In the illustrative forms of shoe-positioning means according to the present invention and hereinafter described, a band-clamp is used similar to that disclosed in the patent, but in whichthe band is arranged to be forced against the shoe with a pressure which is concentrated at a series of chosen areas or positions spaced apart around the heel-end of the shoe. These areas are so located that when the band has been clamped against the shoe, the displacement of said shoe Will be resisted positively, and there will be little possibility that its heel-end will move out of the correct relation to the heel, either by its movement within the band or by bodily movement with the band.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrating certain embodiments of our invention,

Fig. 1 shows a bottom plan view of one form of our improved positioning means;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section on the line 11-11 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, a detail view of means;

Figs. 4 and 5 are views, corresponding respectively to Figs. 1 and 2, of another form which our invention may assume, Fig. 5 being a section on the line V-V of Fig. 4, and

Figs. '6 and '7 are sectional details on the lines VI-VI and VIL-VII' of Figs. 5 and 4, respectively.

The shoe-positioning means of this invention may be assumed to be embodied in a machine band-clamp-supporting which is generally similar to previously mentioned patent. It includes a pair of band-clamp-operating arms I, 3 (Figs. 1 to 3) mounted upon a horizontally adjustable slide 5 similarly to those of the patent and arranged to be actuated by like mechanism. A shoe-clamping band I is connected to the arms I and 3 and to the slide 5 to move bodily, to a small extent, forwardly and rearwardly relatively to said slide. To permit this, the band-clamp has attached to it a rearwardly extending U-shaped strip 9, the opposite sides of which embrace the forward end portion of a horizontally dovetailed guideway ll formed along the under face of a bracket l2 secured on the slide 5. The strip 9 prevents the heel-end of the band-clamp from moving laterally of the machine and is confined, with freedom for a small amount of forward and rearward movement, between a face l3 at the forward end of the bracket I2 and a claw I5 secured on the bracket l2 and having downturned portions which lie at the forward side of the strip. The claw is held in place on the bracket for ready removal by a pin l6, so one band-clamp may be replaced by another of a size more appropriate to shoes of a particular range. The face l3 provides a positive stop which serves, by contact with the strip 9, when a shoe is'inserted into the band-clamp in the manner hereinafter described, to limit the extent to which the shoe can be urged rearwardly into the machine. There is thus determined the lengthwise position of the shoe relative to a heel beneath it, which will previously have been placed in the machine. This position, however, is variable on forward or rearward adjustment of the slide 5. The band 1 is a thin and flexible metal strip which may be a half-inch in height, nd its sides are flared outwardly and upwardly to provide a cup in which the heel-end of the shoe may rest, with the lower edge of the band fitting in the crease between the shoe-upper and the margin of the sole. The fact that the band is very flexible, and the manner hereinafter described in which its forward ends are supported on the arms I and 3, allow it to conform to any irregularities which may exist in the contour of the shoe along its side portions.

In order to transmit positive, localized pressure through the band 1 against spaced portions of the shoe to position the heel-end laterally over a heel in the machine, means is provided for thrusting the band against the shoe at four positions therearound, two at each side of the shoe. The arms l and 3 have rounded blocks 2| adjustably secured by screws 22 in slots 24 along that disclosed in the their forward ends.

inner faces 29 tapered (Fig. 3) at taper of the These blocks have their downwardly and inwardly an angle corresponding to the inward sides of the band, so that they may provide close contact from its upper toits lower edge. The forward ends of the band are bent rearwardly to clip somewhat loosely around the outer sides of the blocks 2i the engagement being such as to allow the band to move bodily lengthwise relatively to the blocks and to the arms I and 3. This provides capacity for adjustment of the blocks along the arms I and 3 relatively to the band and allows the ready separation of the band from the machine, if it is desired to replace it by another band more appropriate to shoes of any particular size or style. The blocks have lips 23 extending outwardly from their lower ends to support the band, the upper edge of the latter abutting against shoulders provided on the blocks.

It is preferable that the blocks 2I be so adjusted along the slots in the arms I and 3 as to engage portions of the band which, when the latter is closed about the shoe, will contact with said shoe at or close to the breast-line, so that the blocks will act, through the band, to grip the shoe between them in that region. Other means is provided for thrusting the band against the opposite sides of the shoe at positions spaced about one inch away toward the opposite sides of the shoe from the extreme heel-end. This may comprise a horizontal fork 25 formed integrally with a slide I1, which lies within the guideway I I and is normally urged forwardly along it by a spring I9, until the rear end of the slide abuts against an adjustable eccentric stop 29 fixed in the guideway. The inner faces of the limbs of the fork normally lie just out of contact with the outer side of the rear of the band when no shoe is positioned in it. These two limbs extend forwardly and, respectively, toward the rightand left-hand sides of the machine at angles of approximately 45 to the longitudinal axis of the shoe and are about half as high as the band, the lower edge of which projects below the fork.

It will be understood that the band I is supported loosely on the arms I and 3 and on the bracket I2, and that before a shoe is thrust into the band, the heel-end of said band is spaced slightly forwardly out of contact with the fork 25. Further, the band will exercise but little lateral pressure on the shoe, except in those spaced localities where it is thrust against the shoe by resistance offered by the blocks 2| and the fork 25. Since it is thin and flexible and is permitted some bodily movement forwardly and rearwardly of the machine, and since its forward end-portions can turn on the rounded blocks 2!, the band can readily flex at any necessary part to enable it to fit closely around the heel-end of the shoe. This will be true in spite of any irregularities in the shoe and will not interfere with the application of firm, localized pressure against the work in the regions engaged by the portions of the band which contact with the blocks and fork.

In the use of the locating means, the operator first adjusts the distance apart of the arms I and 3 as may be necessary to allow the heel-end of a shoe S to be moved rearwardly between them. He then so holds the shoe the band 7 lies in the crease, preferably in contact with the upper face of the sole or welt, and moves said shoe rearwardly into the band. When the heel-end of the shoe abuts against the rear of the band during this movement, it first causes end, against the shoe, thus tending the band to move rearwardly slightly relatively to the fork, its forward ends sliding along the blocks 2|, and then causes the fork also tomove bodily toward the rear against the action of the spring I9. This continues until the attached strip 9 abuts against the bracket I2. The shoe is thereby positioned lengthwise relatively to the heel beneath it, which has previously been correctly located in the machine. As the band travels rearwardly under the thrust of the shoe before the movement of the fork, the band can flex to accommodate itself to the shape of the heelend, but when the shoe has been urged to its most rearward position, the fork will have moved somewhat with the band and will be forcing the band, at opposite sides of the center of the heelto produce lateral registration with the heel. The correct longitudinal and lateral relation of the shoe will thus be attained irrespective of its size or style. The operator causes the arms I and 3 to be forced inwardly to close the forward portions of the band-clamp upon the sides of the shoe, as shown in Fig. 1. As these arms swing in, the blocks 2| press hard toward the shoe through the band in the vicinity of the breast-line b and thus give effective final control of the position of the shoe laterally of the heel. The lateral pressure on the shoe at opposite extremities and opposite sides of the heel-seat is most effective in positioning the shoe relatively to the heel. Indeed, the action exerted by the fork 25 and blocks 2I may, in some cases at least, be quite adequate to position the shoe, even without a clamping band; but since the latter is likely to be useful in assisting the operator to present the shoe in the desired heightwise relation to the positioning means, it is preferable that the band be retained. In either case, the shoe is definitely located for the attachment of the heel, by the resistance to its displacement exerted over localized areas about the rear portion. As in the previously mentioned patent, the shoe-positioning means is connected to shoe-pressing means of the machine to move up and down therewith, and the latter means is moved down by the treadle to press the shoe against the heel and so held until after the heelattaching fastenings have been inserted. C'onsequently, the shoe positioning means will retain its engagement with the shoe during the insertion of the fastenings and will release the shoe after such insertion.

In that form of our invention illustrated in Figs. 4 to '7 of the drawings, the bracket I2 and the arms and 3, save for changes in form, may be as before. The band 1, instead of being free to move upon its supports, may have a horizontal stem 39 projecting from the center of the rear portion and received in a passage in the bracket. Here, it is held for ready removal by a spring-pin 32 movable in the bracket and engaging a depression in the stem. Near its forward extremity, each arm of the band has secured close to its lower edge a block 34 provided with a rounded or reduced end 36 bearing against the flat inner edge of the corresponding arm I or 3. The band above the blocks can bend outwardly, if necessary, to conform to the shape of the engaged shoe and to allow the lower edge of the band to enter well into the crease formed between the shoe-upper and the outwardly projecting margin of the sole. Fast in each block is a headed pin 38 movable in an open-end slot 49 in the arm. The head of the pin overhangs the arm to support the band. The body of the pin is somewhat less in diameter than the width of the slot, permitting lateral movement of the band, so it may adapt itself to the counter-portion of the shoe. Relative movement of the pins and arms longitudinally of the slots occurs upon adjustment of said arms'by the operator. When it is desired to change the band, it may readily be withdrawn, the pin 32 yielding to release the stem 39, and the pins 38 passing through the open ends of the slots.

The fork 25 is in' this instance shown as having a rearward extension 42 movable upon a T- shaped guide 44 on the under side of the bracket i2. A spring 45 which holds the fork yieldingly forward against the opposite sides of the rear of the band is contained in a bore in the guide M and is interposed between a vertical projection d5 from the extension 42 and a screw 48 closing the outer end of the bore.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a heel-attaching machine, shoe-positioning mechanism comprising means. for positively resisting displacement of the shoe over localized areas at opposite sides of said shoe, said means including a flexible band, supporting means therefor and members spaced from one another about the band and with which it contacts near the opposite ends of the breast-line of the shoe and at opposite sides of the center of the rear portion of said shoe, each of these contacts being over narrow areas longitudinally of the band and being separated by wider spaces at the sides and rear of the heel-portion of the shoe, in which spaces the band is free to accommodate itself in all directions to the counter-portion of the shoe.

2. In a heel-attaching machine, shoe-positioning mechanism comprising means for positively resisting displacement of the shoe over localized areas at opposite sides of said shoe, said means including a flexible band and members spaced from one another about the band and with which it contacts at the side opposite the shoe and at opposite sides of the rear portion of said shoe, a portion of said members being movable by the band and a portion movable against the band.

3. In a heel-attaching machine, shoe-positioning mechanism comprising means for positively resisting displacement of the shoe over localized areas at opposite sides of said shoe, said means including a flexible band and members spaced from one another about the band and with which it contacts at the side opposite the shoe, the band being supported for bodily movement under the influence of the shoe relatively to the members.

4. In a heel-attaching machine, shoe-positioning mechanism comprising means for positively resisting displacement of the shoe over localized areas at opposite sides of said shoe, said means including a flexible band and members spaced from one another about the band and with which it contacts at the side opposite the shoe, the band being supported for bodily movement relatively to the members, a portion of said members being movable by the band and a portion movable against the band.

5. In a heel-attaching machine, shoe-positioning mechanism comprising means for positively resisting displacement of the shoe over localized areas at opposite sides of said shoe at the rear and near the ends of the breast-line, said means including a flexible band and members spaced from one another about the band and with which it contacts at the side opposite the shoe, the band being supported for bodily movement relatively to the members, the members at the rear of the band being movable by said band and the members near the-breast-line being movable into contact with the band. 7

6. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising supporting members at opposite sides of the shoe, and a flexible band movable bodily by the shoe upon the supporting members.

7. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising supporting members at opposite sides of the shoe, a flexible band movable bodily by the shoe upon the supporting members, and a yieldable member at the rear of the shoe into contact with which the band may move.

8. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising supporting members at opposite sides of the shoe, a flexible band movable bodily by the shoe upon the supporting members, a yieldable member at the rear of the shoe into contact With which the band may move, and a stop against which the yieldable member is moved by the band.

9. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising movable supporting members at opposite sides of the shoe, a flexible band movable bodily by the shoe upon the movable supporting members, and a yieldable member at the rear of the shoe into contact with which the band may move.

10. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising pivoted arms extending at opposite sides of the shoe, a band mounted to slide at its ends upon the arms and extending about the rear of the shoe, and a slide movable under the influence of the shoe and to which the rear of the band is secured.

11. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoe-clamp comprising pivoted arms extending at opposite sides of the shoe, a band mounted at its ends upon the arms and extending about the rear of the shoe, a fork for engagement with the rear of the band, and a spring forcing the fork toward the band.

12. In a heel-attaching machine, a shoeclamp comprising pivoted arms extending at opposite sides of the shoe, a band mounted to slide at its ends upon the arms and extending about the rear of the shoe, and a yieldable fork into engagement with which the band is movable.

13. In a heel-attaching machine, a mounting member, a shoe-clamp comprising pivoted arms extending at opposite sides of the shoe and having slots in their ends, a shoe-engaging band provided at its ends with projections lying in the slots and supported by the arms, and supporting connections between the rear of the band and the mounting member, said connections being arranged to separate readily upon withdrawal of the projections from the slots.

14. In a heel-attaching machine, a mounting member, arms pivoted upon the mounting member and adapted to extend at opposite sides of a shoe, 2. shoe-engaging band supported by the arms, and blocks interposed between the arms and the ends of the band and contacting therewith, each block having a reduced portion for engagement with one of the contacting elements.

15. In a heel-attaching machine, a mounting member, arms pivoted upon the mounting member and adapted to extend upon opposite sides of a shoe, said arms having slots in their ends, blocks variable in position along the slots, means arranged to secure the blocks at different points in the slots, and a shoe-engaging band movably supported upon the blocks.

16. In a heel-attaching machine, a mounting member, arms pivoted upon the mounting member and adapted to extend upon opposite sides of a shoe, said arms having slots in their ends, and a shoe-engaging band having secured to its ends blocks movably supported by the arms, said blocks being provided with portions lying in the arm 10 slots and reduced portions engaging the arms.

17. In a heel-attaching machine, a mounting 

